Train trips on a shoestring

JR Shikoku Tokkyu Express Train

   While train travel in Japan is one of the most expensive in the world, there are many ticket discounts available if you are on a budget but want to travel around Shikoku for a weekend or so.

Hanshin Return Free Ticket
   Available: anytime
   Valid lines: Kochi-Okayama: Tokkyu Express (reserved seating), Okayama-Kobe/Osaka on Shinkansen “Hikari”, “Nozomi” or “Kodama” (reserved seating); JR lines hop on/hop off in “Free Zone” of Kobe and Osaka.
   Cost and Validity: ¥15,300 for 2 days on Weekends/Holidays; ¥16,300 for 4 days anytime
   Perks: A ticket will allow you to go from Kochi to Kobe and Osaka return on the fastest trains, plus free rides on all JR trains within Kobe and Osaka. This might just be the perfect ticket if you’re thinking of going to Universal Studios Japan!

Birthday Ticket
   Available: anytime in the month of your birthday
   Valid lines: All JR Shikoku Lines, JR buses
   Valid days: 3 consecutive days
   Cost: ¥10,000
   Perks: Can ride on the Green Car (first class reserved seating) of Tokkyu Express trains. Can purchase for up to 3 other friends. Hop on, hop off at anytime.

Rediscover Shikoku Advance Ticket
   Available: a day to 1 month in advance
   Valid lines: JR Shikoku Lines, buses, but not Tokkyu Express Trains
   Valid days: 1 day on Weekends/Holidays
   Cost: ¥2,000 (half price for children)
   Perks: Hop on, hop off at anytime

Shikoku Free Ticket
   Available: anytime
   Valid lines: JR Shikoku Lines, buses
   Valid days: 3 consecutive days
   Cost: ¥15,700 (half price for children)
   Perks: Tokkyu Express Free Seating. Hop on, hop off at anytime.

*Please check with your ticket office before purchase as there may be exceptions to the above mentioned conditions.

Taken from vol.39 PDF